Welcome to Michigan's Ploud Home!

Websites for over 100 Michigan libraries provided by vendor Enfold Systems and subsidized at the Library of Michigan with Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) dollars.

Public Libraries in the Cloud

The Library of Michigan subsidizes website hosting for Michigan libraries through Ploud (Public Libraries in the Cloud). Training is offered around the state as updates become available or as necessary to meet the needs of staff turnover, generally during a fall workshop series.

The Library of Michigan pays 55% of costs and in 20119-2020 libraries are responsible for the remaining $206/year. For that price, libraries receive a choice of four templates with multiple color schemes, hosting, a help desk, and ongoing development. You may use a domain name of your own choosing with Ploud; there's no need to change web addresses.

Ploud serves over half of the small and rural libraries in the lower peninsula. You can see those sites under "Michigan Sites." It's a great list to get ideas from about what you can do with a Ploud template.

Ploud Features

Ploud comes with carousels, or rotating images, which you can use on any page; optional drag and drop page layouts; a selection of MeL databases which can easily be extended for your patron base; an easy-to-use calendar for library events; a News section; a Kids & Teens area; and a Contact Us form. From there you can develop any new content that you’d like. Your Ploud website can be as small or as large as you care to build it.

Joining Ploud

Admission to the program is on a rolling basis; you can join at any time. If you are interested in more information about Ploud, please contact Sonya Schryer Norris at norriss2@michigan.gov or 517-335-1498.

Ploud Listserv

To stay updated on the progress of Ploud in Michigan, please check back at this website or join the Ploud listserv.

Need more information? Contact Sonya Schryer Norris at the Library of Michigan at 517-335-1498 or email her at norriss2@michigan.gov.